Marking tape

Abstract

A marking tape having a plain paper body. The body is dimensionally stable and rippable, with the paper being flexible, but stiff enough to retain a fold therein. The tape has a first surface with a plurality of relative measurement markings and a second surface with an adhesive applied thereto. The first surface is also treated with a release agent, to permit the adhesive layer to release from said first surface when formed into a roll. A longitudinal bending feature is provided, in the form of a score or razor cut which facilitates placement of the marking tape onto a material to be marked.

We claim: 
     
       1. A marking tape comprising: a body having a first surface and a second surface, the body being comprised of plain paper which is dimensionally stable and rippable, the paper being of the type that is flexible, and sufficiently stiff to retain a fold therein;   said first surface including a plurality of relative measurement marks made thereon, and carrying a penetrating release agent, said penetrating release agent being compatible with said measurement marks on said first surface;   said second surface including an adhesive layer disposed thereon, said adhesive layer adapted to release from said release agent on said first surface without removing said relative measurement marks from said first surface wherein said marking tape may be stored in a roll; and   a longitudinal bending means in said body sized and shaped to permit said body to be bent along a longitudinal axis to form a self supporting fold to facilitate placement of said marking tape onto a material to be marked.   
     
     
       2. The marking tape of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal bending means comprises a score line formed in at least one of said first and second surfaces. 
     
     
       3. The marking tape of claim 2 wherein said longitudinal bending means is formed along a centre line of said body. 
     
     
       4. The marking tape of claim 3 wherein said longitudinal bending means is formed on said first surface only. 
     
     
       5. The marking tape of claim 2 wherein said score line is in the form of a partial cut in said body along a center line of said body. 
     
     
       6. The marking tape of claim 2 wherein said score line is in the form of a compression groove in said body a centre line of said body. 
     
     
       7. The marking tape of claim 2 wherein said relative markings include pre-numbered inch markings, but no pre-numbered foot markings. 
     
     
       8. The marking tape of claim 7 wherein said tape includes shading in alternate measurement distances to facilitate counting and measuring from a distance. 
     
     
       9. The marking tape of claim 1 wherein said release agent penetrates said first surface, and yet leaves sufficient paper fibre exposed to permit pencil marking of said upper surface. 
     
     
       10. The marking tape of claim 9 wherein said release agent provides sufficient release so that said adhesive layer can be removed from an overlying relationship without defacing said relative measurement marks. 
     
     
       11. The marking tape of claim 1 wherein said tape can be bent along said longitudinal bending means to form a self sustaining fold, sized and shaped to permit said tape to be placed on and moved over a surface, without adhering thereto, to facilitate accurate placement thereof on said surface. 
     
     
       12. The marking tape of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal bending means is parallel to longitudinal side edges of said body, wherein said tape can be bent along said longitudinal bending means to form a self sustaining fold, and placed on an object having a corner, with a portion of said tape adhering to either face of said object extending away from said corner. 
     
     
       13. A marking tape comprising: a body having a first surface and a second surface, the body being comprised of plain paper which is dimensionally stable and rippable, the paper being of the type that is flexible, and sufficiently stiff to retain a fold therein;   said first surface including a plurality of relative measurement marks made thereon, and being treated with a penetrating release agent;   said second surface including an adhesive layer disposed thereon, said adhesive layer releasing from said release agent without removing said relative measurement marks; and   a longitudinal bending means in said body, comprising a score line formed along a center line of said body in said first surface only, to permit said body to be bent along a longitudinal axis to form a self supporting fold to facilitate placement of said marking tape onto a material to be marked.   
     
     
       14. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said score line is in the form of a partial cut in said body along a centre line. 
     
     
       15. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said score line is in the form of a groove along said centre line. 
     
     
       16. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said relative markings include pre-numbered inch markings, but no pre-numbered foot markings. 
     
     
       17. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said tape includes shading in alternate measurement distances to facilitate counting and measuring from a distance. 
     
     
       18. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said release agent penetrates said first surface, and yet leaves sufficient paper fibre exposed to permit pencil marking of said upper surface. 
     
     
       19. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said release agent provides sufficient release so that said adhesive layer can be removed from an overlying relationship without defacing said relative measurement marks. 
     
     
       20. The marking tape of claim 13 wherein said tape can be bent along said longitudinal bending means to form a self sustaining fold, sized and shaped to permit said tape to be placed on and moved over a surface, without adhering thereto, to facilitate accurate placement thereof on said surface.